Ryokan Sakaya — Hotel in Nozawaonsen

Stayed at this hotel for 6 nights. Only a short (5min) walk to and from the Chuo bus station (to go to/from Iiyama station where the bullet train from Tokyo stops). Bus trip only 25 minutes and approx 600yen/adult, 300yen/child.||Hotel is a bit older but lovely and very traditional. Most rooms appeared to overlook the lovely courtyard (beautiful in winter) and Koi pond below. Staff very helpful. Be sure to book restaurants in advance (staff can do this for you) especially in peak season.||About 10min walk uphil to Yu walk (long escalator) to Hikage slope. Nozowa onsen ski school is here, probably a good idea to email in advance to book lessons as it gets busy.||The town is really pretty and easy to get around. The steamed buns were a must!||So plenty to do if you aren't into skiing||The hotel had its own onsen (and a public one nearby also) which was welcome after a day on the slopes! If you have young kids they have a family onsen also (just need to book). Also there is a laundry at the bottom of the hotel which was very helpful (meant less packing!).||Rooms were spacious. We had one western style and one traditional. I really enjoyed the traditional room (beds are a bit firm but I prefer that myself).||We had breakfast included (as part of a group) - was more like a ceremony! And a banquet on the last night with lots of traditional dishes...

The overall ryokan is much nicer than the picture that I saw online.

The lobby was comfortable and spacious, there are a small toy corner with books for kids to play.

The deluxe room are very spacious and comfortable. The entire place is very cleaned.

Before our arrival the host ms yuki was very helpful and answer all my various question and help me to book our dinner venue in advance.

The room temperature is just right we could just open the window if we feel stuffy.

The location is fantastic, near eateries, short walk to YU road which lead to the kid park and you can find rental shop cafe, gondola, snow mobile all there. Walking to bus stop is also quite near we could push 5 of our luggage walk there no issue

The breakfast was abit plain and we didn’t know have to change one day in advance if we want to opt for western breakfast hence we had our breakfast at opp tanuki instead which is very good.

Dinner at the ryokan was abit disappointed, is not very filling, item abit plain. Maybe we not use to the traditional taste. But overall presentation is good, the kids meal looks yummy and tasty.

Highly recommend this ryokan if...

The location is great being in the center of the village and near to shops and restaurants. 5 star for location.

A few things missed the mark which I expected of a luxury class accommodation.

Housekeeping kept replacing my yukata with XXL XXXL sizes when the used ones were S and M. I had to go to reception to replace them on a few occasions when we need to use them.

Our breakfast options were wrong on a couple of days. Reason given was they were busy and cannot provide customized choices…why asked for our preferences then?

English communication failed on one occasion resulting in our private onsen bath being booked at the wrong timing.

Room for 4 was a bit tight squeeze…didn’t quite enjoy the inconveniences…guess I’ll have to pay up next time for a bigger room 😂

The ryokan is 5 min walk away from bus station but it is no joke lugging full size luggage up the slope. They have a mini bus but don’t provide pick up or drop off…guess I’m spoiled by some ryokans in other cities.

On a whole, would still recommend this place. Everything is...